The organizer of Labelexpo India reported that the 6th edition of the event, which took place at India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida from Nov. 22-25 2018, was its largest show to date in the region.

A total of 9,851 visitors from 55 countries passed through its doors over the 4 days of the show, 22.7% more than in its last edition in 2016 and the biggest visitor increase to date.

“The fantastic visitor number surpassed all our expectations, and the sheer volume of sales achieved over the 4 days showed how valuable the show has been for generating new business," said Lisa Milburn, managing director for Labelexpo Global Series. "It is also resounding proof that the Indian label and package printing market is booming, with printer demand for new technology and innovation moving at an incredible rate. It also means that this show – the only dedicated event of its kind for the labels and package printing industry in the region – is more important than ever.”

The show was also 28% larger in size, with 250 exhibitors occupying a total floor space of 7,073-square-meters compared to 200 across 5,899-square-meters in the 2016 edition.

The show was a catalyst for machinery launches and numerous sales achieved by many of the exhibitors on the show floor to Indian converters, including Indian company Monotech Systems, who launched and sold 2 Jetsci Colornovo UV inkjet presses, and made a further 8 sales at the show; Multitec, who announced the sale of two 8-color presses; HP Indigo, who sold its 6,900 press, and Vinsak, who sold 2 of its USAR slitter rewinders in addition to 2 Synchroline presses on behalf of Italian manufacturer Lombardi on Day 1 of the show. It also announced a further 4 orders placed at the show floor.

Several partnerships were announced, including Domino and Multitec, who entered into an agreement for producing a hybrid digital press; and Konica Minolta Business Solutions and China-based Brotech Graphics who are partnering to source accessories for the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 190 label press in India.

Brand Innovation Day took place on Day 1 of the show. Brand owners and designers from a wide range of sectors took part in a series of seminars and educational sessions aimed at equipping them with expert insight into making the most out of their brand, how they can overcome key challenges on the path to future growth, and stay ahead of the competition in a fast-paced industry.

Speakers included the World Packaging Organisation, General Mills and Twinings, with attendees from companies including Reckitt Benckiser, Landor, Bosch and Adobe. In addition, Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director for Labelexpo Global Series, moderated a lively panel discussion on product decoration, joined by representatives from SMI Coated Products, Esko, HP India and Avery Dennison.

“The success of our Brand Innovation Day, coupled with our series of exceptionally popular forum events for converters around India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the run-up to the show, also helped contribute to this show’s achievement by building fantastic momentum," Milburn said. "We saw a large delegation from Bangladesh attending Labelexpo India for the first time, which is hugely encouraging. We are also grateful to the unwavering support from key trade associations in the region including LMAI, AIFMP, DPA, ASPA, SLAP and FNPA.”

“The Indian label business has matured considerably, and people came to see new opportunities and broaden their horizons by looking into flexible packaging," said Jakob Landberg, sales and marketing director, Nilpeter A/S.

The 2018 LMAI Awards, sponsored by Avery Dennison, also took place on the first evening of the show.

The next edition of Labelexpo India takes place Oct. 28-31 2020, where a further show growth of 15% is anticipated as the show takes on additional space at India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida.